PULASKI, Tenn. (05.01.09) - The Bethel Lady Wildcats continued to stay hot at the right time taking out #2 seeded Freed-Hardeman, 2-1. The Lady Lions are also ranked #23 in the latest NAIA National Poll. Bethel's Leah Hensley out-dueled the TranSouth Pitcher of the Year, Tarrah Tucker, getting the victory; Hensley improved to 19-4 on the year.
Bethel used the same formula that they had employed against Trevecca and Martin, great pitching, defense and timely hitting. The Lady ‘Cats did not commit an error while the Lady Lions posted three.
Bethel only mustered three hits off Tucker but made them count in the fourth. With one out, Brittany Edmonds singled to left-center. Simmons flied out to second for the second out. Then with two outs, Amanda Renfroe reached on Caldwell's error and Edmonds went to second. Blaire Johnson delivered a two RBI single to right, scoring Edmonds. Renfroe was able to score on Steverson's error and Bethel led 2-0.
Hensley scattered seven hits for the game, but ran into some trouble in the bottom of the seventh. Freed's Pratt led off with a single; Tucker followed with a single; Gibbons hit the third consecutive single to load the bases. Steverson hit a sacrifice fly to the left field foul territory, Cunningham scored to cut Bethel's lead to 2-1. Brock flied out to center and Bradford grounded out to second to end the game.
With the win, the Lady Wildcats are the only remaining team without a loss in the tournament. Freed-Hardeman and Martin Methodist will play to decide who will face the Lady ‘Cats in the Championship. The winner will have to defeat Bethel two consecutive games. Bethel will only need to win one game to claim the Conference Title and the automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Ala.
The Championship game was set to be played on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 5:00pm, but rain has delayed that game until Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 3:00pm.